To increase copper in soil, the most common and cost-effective method is through the application of copper fertilizer, specifically copper sulfate. Soil application before seeding is generally recommended.
Methods for Applying Copper Fertilizer
Here are a few methods for applying copper fertilizer to increase copper levels in your soil:
- Broadcasting: The copper fertilizer is spread evenly across the entire soil surface.
- Banding: The copper fertilizer is applied in a narrow strip along with other essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilizers. This method concentrates the fertilizer near the plant roots.
Important Considerations:
- Source of Copper: Copper sulfate is the preferred source of copper fertilizer due to its lower cost compared to chelated sources.
- Timing: Soil application is most common before seeding to ensure adequate copper availability for young plants.
